Changing Financial Advisors for Changing Needs: Dan & Lois's Story

"Before we began working with WHZ, we were at an inflection point in our financial lives. Our finances were becoming more complex – we had 401K plans scattered across different companies, four daughters approaching college, and we needed serious retirement planning. Our previous financial planner just wasn't keeping up with our increasingly sophisticated needs.

Now our daughters are all graduated from college, with one already married, and we can confidently say that the transition to working with WHZ was an excellent move. What I really appreciate is that they're compassionate and caring - you're not just another number in their roster of clients. The consistency across the entire team is remarkable, and our advisor Jim, is good at retaining people, which helps maintain that high level of service whether you're one of our kids just getting started or someone like us who's been working with them for years.

They've helped us navigate some major financial decisions and milestones that we never thought would be possible. We were able to purchase our vacation condo on Lake Winnipesaukee sooner than expected, even while we had three kids in college. When the weather's good, that's where we are. We go boating, ski and snowboard, and mountain bike and all things that are fun to do in New Hampshire.

Now that we're both approaching retirement in the next few years, we're planning for the next chapter of our lives. The team at WHZ gives us honest, straightforward advice that we can trust completely. For example, they gave us really valuable, objective guidance when we decided to downsize our home last year as empty nesters. We want the freedom to travel more - right now as a teacher, I can only travel in the summer when Dan wants to be at the lake, so retirement will give us more flexibility. More importantly, we want to be in a position to help our daughters as they start families of their own, whether that's helping with daycare costs or just being available grandparents.

So the real value of working with WHZ goes beyond just our own finances, but actually extends to the wellbeing and goals of our entire family. Some of our daughters have started working with WHZ as they begin their careers, and when Dan's mother had an accident and received a settlement, they stepped in to help her too. Having enough money to do what you want gives you independence, and that's what good retirement planning means - the freedom to choose whether it's helping our family, traveling, or being there for our future grandchildren. Working with WHZ has allowed us to achieve that independence."

This statement was provided 9/3/2025 by Dan and Lois Shaughnessy who area clients. This statement may not be representative of the experience of others and is not a guarantee of future performance or success. For additional reviews, search us wherever local businesses are reviewed. 

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor.